Albany Auto Repair

Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year are all right around the corner. Are you ready? Is your car ready for all the miles?   We know the holiday season can be very stressful, and we want to help alleviate some of that stress. No one has time for car trouble in the middle of the holiday season, here are some things you can do to make sure your holiday is car trouble-free.   First of all, your budget can be tight around Christmas. We offer several payment options to keep your automobile on the road without breaking the bank. Next, fix any known issues you may have been putting off. If you bring your car in for an Oil Service at Crabtree Automotive, we will be doing a full inspection as well. Or, if you have recently had your car serviced but still want to make sure it is good for that long drive to grandma’s house, then let us do a Trip Inspection.    There are some simple things you can check in your own driveway! You can check your windshield washer f ... read more

The best way to make sure your car will last for years to come is proper maintenance!  That means changing the fluids, filters, rotating tires, and having your vehicle regularly inspected. Beyond regular maintenance, there are parts that wear out naturally, and parts can fail simply from usage and age. That is why we inspect your vehicle every time you bring it in. Once we have checked your vehicle from bumper to bumper, we will give you a report of what we find and a maintenance plan that keeps your car running and your wallet happy.   We also highly recommend preventive maintenance. This means taking care of items on your vehicle before they become an issue, such as drive belts, shocks, and other suspension components. These are wear items that, if left unchecked, can cause some serious issues that can shorten the life of your vehicle and be a major inconvenience when they fail.   At Crabtree Automotive, we work on all makes and models, even Diesels. From Honda to ... read more

Short answer: Yes! They are there to let you know something is wrong. Modern automobiles use more computers and sensors than ever before. One reason is for all the features we have become accustomed to. Another reason is to try to maximize the efficiency of your engine to reduce our carbon footprint. Features like accident avoidance, self-driving, and hybrid drive systems are just a few of the advanced features that require a lot of sensors and computers. Automobiles have been using sensors and basic computers since the 1990s. Back then, a check engine light meant you had engine trouble or a sensor had failed. Nowadays, a warning light could indicate an issue in any part of the car. Luckily, computers and software have advanced, and the systems and sensors have become more reliable. When a warning light comes on, it is vital you get it diagnosed as soon as possible. The downside of all these advancements is how much our technicians have to learn just to be able to diagnose and repair m ... read more

It can be smarter to keep your car now because of interest rates, car prices, and inflation. We will talk about some of the things to consider when deciding to replace your car or keep it. As your vehicle ages, there are maintenance services that have to be done at various mileages. Also, as your car wears, parts can fail and will need to be replaced. Both of these examples add to the cost of owning a used vehicle.  Oil services, tires, and batteries will need to be taken care of on newer vehicles just like your current car. Unlike most used cars, new vehicles typically will have a payment and higher insurance. Not to mention how high interest rates have gotten. According to Bankrate, in November 2023, new car rates range from 5.07% to 21.38%. The average car payment in the United States is $729. It's easy to see how expensive a new car can be, but there are some rare cases when replacing a car is better than repairing it. In most scenarios, it is financially reasonable to m ... read more

But my tires rotate every time I drive! Not that rotate! When we do a rotation service, we take the wheel off your car and move it to a different wheel well on the car.  We do this to help prevent uneven tire wear. Often, the front tires wear differently than the rear tires because of turning and braking. Also, each corner of your automobile can wear tires differently. That’s why we rotate your tires during every oil service. This allows the tires to wear evenly and helps your tires last as long as possible. We also look at tire wear, pressure, and tread depth. When we remove the wheel and tire, we inspect your brakes and suspension as a courtesy.   We want to ensure your vehicle lasts as long as possible, including your tires! You need a maintenance plan for your car that fits your budget and schedule. Let us create the perfect plan for you.   At Crabtree Automotive, we work on all makes and models, even Diesels. From Honda to Audi and everything in between ... read more